Chapter 5

“You wouldn’t be alone,” said Aunt Julie, but that didn’t make him feel any better.

“He doesn’t have any obligation to me. Or he could agree to claim me but be awful,” he mumbled into his aunt’s hair. Since omegas were rarer than alphas, most alphas would be pleased enough to claim him to ensure they didn’t have to ‘settle’ for a beta. That wouldn’t make him feel any better if Jake would insist on a stereotypically meek omega.

“I know. If he does want you, though, the choice is yours. You don’t have to accept his claim unless you want to.” Aunt Julie handed him a fistful of tissues. “We support whatever you decide is best.”

“Completely,” added Uncle Ed. “And you don’t need to make up your mind right away.”

“Thank you.” His aunt and uncle had been incredibly good to him and loved him like a son ever since his parents died. David had never appreciated them more than right now.

“Do you want to consider him, if he’s agreeable?” asked Uncle Ed. “Because you don’t have to.”